Sliding Into The Spotlight

Following Shea's Lead, Soule Takes Center Stage

He slid in the shadows while Jim Shea composed one of the most compelling stories at the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Never once did Chris Soule complain about the one-sided attention.

Now Shea's story as a third-generation Olympian is complete, and Soule can slide into the spotlight. Ten days ago in Altenberg, Germany, he won the seasonlong World Cup skeleton championship. This weekend, he will be the gold-medal favorite at the world championships in Nagano, Japan.

The medal Soule wanted most he already owns.

``The World Cup championship has been one of my goals for years,'' said the Trumbull slider. ``I came close in 2000 and 2002 but was just short and finished second both times.

``I see it as more of an accomplishment than the one race that determines a world champion. Some people are good on one type of track, but a World Cup title is proof that a slider is good on them all. I am not one to define a career over one race anyway.''

Still, Soule doesn't take the world championship lightly. He has already been in Nagano two weeks training.

``I'm always trying to get better,'' said Soule, 30. ``If I didn't have that mentality, I don't think I would still be in the sport. I love the challenges skeleton presents, and to see advancement through my efforts is very rewarding.

``Last year, my tempo was a lot different. With all the focus put on the World Cup events and the Olympics, I felt last season was so intense, I needed to be amped the whole time.''

While Shea, from West Hartford, was the focus of media attention last winter, Soule quietly went about his work on the track. By the end of the year, he was the first American slider in history to win a medal in every World Cup race in a season. Seventh at the Olympics, Soule has won more World Cup and world championship medals than any American racer.

Shea had off-season surgery to repair a circulatory problem in his legs and has not raced this year. It is up to Soule to carry the American banner not only this season, but he hopes through the 2006 Olympics in Torino, Italy, as well.

``That's the thought right now,'' Soule said. ``These are the years when I can plan and test to see what I need to do to improve for the Olympics. If I go, there will be no other thought than to win, and that will be backed by the preparation I put into it now.

``I still need sponsors so it can be financially possible. I try not to let that carry too much weight, but it's a reality. I need to have financial backing to keep racing.''

The exposure of skeleton racing at last year's Olympics didn't hurt.

``The number of participants this year has been amazing,'' Soule said. ``All the sliding schools in Lake Placid and Park City were full, and I think we have good depth for the future. People now realize what skeleton is, and that has opened a lot of new doors.''

As Soule walks the streets of Nagano, he feels the excitement about this weekend's championships.

``Everyone is very passionate about the world championships being here,'' he said. ``One of the soba noodle shop owners even gave me a lucky ram.''

Not tempting fate, Soule accepted the man's gift. Contrary to the image of the sport that consumes him, this skeleton racer doesn't take chances.